Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 2.0. |
Qualification Description
This qualification reflects the role of a veterinary nurse who works under the supervision of a registered veterinarian to provide nursing care to animals, to support veterinarians to carry out medical and surgical procedures, and to support clients to maintain health of animals.
The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing requires access to patients (animals), clients, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, and practice policies and procedures.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 240 hours of work placement as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the relevant units of competency.
The scope of practice for veterinary nurses is determined by state and territory legislative and regulatory requirements. Users of this qualification must refer to the relevant legislation and regulations in the development of training and assessment strategies.
Entry Requirements
Entry into this qualification is open to individuals who:
- hold a Certificate II in Animal Studies
OR
- hold a relevant Certificate III or higher level qualification in an animal science discipline
OR
- can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline to any of the above qualifications.
Refer to the Companion Volume Implementation Guide for details.
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:
- 21 units of competency:
- 17 core units plus
- 4 elective units.
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. The electives are to be chosen as follows:
- up to 4 units from any of the elective groups listed below
- up to 2 from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
Core Units
ACMGAS307 |
Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work |
ACMGAS308 |
Communicate effectively with clients and team members |
ACMINF301 |
Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work |
ACMVET202 |
Carry out daily practice routines |
ACMVET401 |
Coordinate veterinary reception duties |
ACMVET402 |
Apply imaging routines |
ACMVET403 |
Perform clinical pathology procedures |
ACMVET404 |
Perform practice office procedures |
ACMVET405 |
Coordinate and perform surgical nursing routines |
ACMVET406 |
Nurse animals |
ACMVET407 |
Carry out medical nursing routines |
ACMVET408 |
Provide nutritional advice and support for animals |
ACMVET409 |
Provide specific animal care advice |
ACMVET410 |
Carry out veterinary dental nursing procedures |
ACMVET413 |
Prepare for anaesthesia and monitor animal anaesthesia and analgesia |
ACMVET416 |
Assist with the preparation of veterinary drugs and poisons |
ACMWHS301 |
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes |
Elective Units
An asterisk (*) next to the unit code indicates that there are prerequisite requirements which must be met when packaging the qualification. Please refer to the Prerequisite requirements table for details.
Group A – General electives
ACMMIC401 |
Implant microchip in cats and dogs |
ACMSUS401 |
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
ACMVET411 |
Prepare, deliver and review animal care education programs |
ACMVET412 |
Coordinate practice promotional activities |
ACMVET512 |
Develop and implement specific practice policies |
HLTAID003 |
Provide first aid |
Group B – Small and large animal
ACMSPE304 |
Provide basic care of domestic dogs |
ACMSPE305 |
Provide basic care of domestic cats |
ACMSPE310 |
Provide basic care of mammals |
ACMSPE312 |
Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits |
Group C – Exotic and captive animals
ACMSPE301 |
Provide basic care of amphibians |
ACMSPE302 |
Provide basic care of birds |
ACMSPE303 |
Provide basic care of common native mammals |
ACMSPE306 |
Provide basic care of marine fish |
ACMSPE307 |
Provide basic care of freshwater fish |
ACMSPE308 |
Provide basic care of marine invertebrates |
ACMSPE309 |
Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates |
ACMSPE311 |
Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles |
Group D – Equine
ACMEQU202* |
Handle horses safely |
ACMEQU205 |
Apply knowledge of horse behaviour |
ACMEQU401 |
Relate equine anatomical and physiological features to equine health care requirements |
ACMEQU402 |
Determine nutritional needs in provision of horse health care |
ACMEQU405 |
Maintain and monitor horse health and welfare |
ACMHBR304* |
Assist with artificial insemination of mares |
ACMHBR312 |
Carry out procedures for foaling down mares |
ACMVET414* |
Nurse foals |
ACMVET415* |
Provide intensive foal care and nursing |
Prerequisite requirements
Note: Units listed in the Prerequisite requirement column that have their own prerequisite requirements are shown with an asterisk (*)
Unit of competency |
Prerequisite requirement |
ACMEQU202 Handle horses safely |
ACMEQU205 Apply knowledge of horse behaviour |
ACMHBR304 Assist with artificial insemination of mares |
ACMEQU202 Handle horses safely* |
ACMVET414 Nurse foals |
ACMEQU202 Handle horses safely* |
ACMVET415 Provide intensive foal care and nursing |
ACMVET414 Nurse foals* |
Qualification Mapping Information
Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing |
ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing |
Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages. Added entry requirements. Six AQF 2 units removed from core. Five new units introduced to core. Changed packaging rules. Changed equine electives. Work placement requirement included. |
No equivalent qualification |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103